Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Green tongue

06/19/2008

Question:

I`m an almost 17 year old male. For months now I have had something green on most of my tongue. I haven`t brushed my tongue at all until a few months ago. I started to, hoping to get rid of it. It makes my breath smell and even when i brush it off, it comes back overnight or over the course of the day. I`ve also tried mouthwash and a tongue scraper. My dentist doesn`t seem too concerned about it but it is annoying. I also am on Paxel and Periactin but I`ve been taking those longer than I`ve had the green tongue. Can you tell me what this might be?

Answer:

You were smart in asking your dentist. Using a tongue scraper is a great tool. I would also recommend a rinse that is alcohol free (Crest Pro-Health). Any rinses with alcohol will dry your tissues out more and possibly exaggerate the problem. You should also ask your physician if this is a side effect of either drug or the combination of both drugs. You could get a second opinion from a different dentist as well.

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Response by:

Wendy J. Moore, RDH, EFDA, BS, MS
Assistant Professor
Section of Primary Care - Dental Hygiene
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University